Ex-Kyiv Customs Official Laundered $2 Million to Build Hotel in Bukovel

Bukovel Hotel Built with Dirty Money

According to САП: Ukraine's Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) have wrapped up their investigation into a former deputy head of the Kyiv Customs Office. He was caught laundering over $2 million, funds that were funneled into constructing a hotel complex in the village of Polyanytsya, Ivano-Frankivsk region.

Court documents show the hotel and restaurant project was built between 2020 and 2021. The suspect's family income during that period could not legally explain where the laundered money came from. The property and land were officially registered in the name of a relative, but the ex-official continued to control the business. Hotel revenue was reported as income from 2020 through 2025.

Criminal Charges Filed

The case is being prosecuted under Article 209, Part 3 of Ukraine's Criminal Code. If convicted, the penalty ranges from 8 to 12 years in prison, plus a ban from holding certain positions for up to 3 years and asset forfeiture. NABU has already opened the case files for the defense to review.

Under Article 62, Part 1 of Ukraine's Constitution, the individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court verdict.

This investigation's conclusion highlights Ukraine's ongoing fight against corruption, especially within government agencies.

Money laundering schemes like this one undermine trust in state institutions and can seriously damage economic development. As the case moves to court, it will serve as a key test for Ukraine's legal system in upholding the rule of law and holding officials accountable.